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The 17 year old from Whitby says she's always been motivated to help those in need because she's grateful for everything she has in her own life.

"I realize how lucky I am to be living in such a great town and such a safe community, and a country where I have basically every fundamental human right," says Vanessa, a nominee for the 2012 Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award.

She has been actively involved in various local initiatives over the past few years, including as a member of the Whitby Youth Council since 2010 and former leader of the environment club at Sinclair Secondary School. Last year, she travelled to Tanzania for two weeks to help build a school and teach the children there how to speak basic English.

I realize how lucky I am to be living in such a gr

Co-ordinated by the Ontario Community Newspapers Association, the award program has been recognizing youth in Ontario since 1981. Any resident of the province, ages six to 17, is eligible to receive an Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award.

Also nominated is 17-year-old Michelle Mokedanz, who sprang to action to help save a man's life after he collapsed at the intersection of Manning Street and Anderson Road in November 2011.

Michelle used the skills she's acquired as a member of the First Durham Medical Venturers -- part of Scouts Canada -- to assist in the rescue.

"I was a little bit worried in the beginning but we train so much that it kicked right in and I was able to keep my head," says Michelle, adding she's honoured to be recognized for her efforts.

This year marks the second time in a row that nominees Lexi Fitzpatrick, 13, and Jayden Rae, 15, are up for the award.

"I feel very proud to be nominated for a second time," says Lexi, who has been collecting blankets and winter wear from neighbours in her Brooklin neighbourhood for the past five years to donate to the homeless.

"I really like doing the blanket drive every year," she says.

"It brings me a lot of happiness and I hope to keep expanding it so I can help more people."

Jayden, a fellow member of the Whitby Youth Council with nominee Vanessa, has been involved in numerous initiatives over the years, including spreading awareness about environmental issues. Last year, she went on a two-week expedition in the Antarctic, which included daily field excursions to provide participants with a deeper understanding of climate change.

"As soon as I started learning about all these problems in the environment and how we play such an important role in the future of the natural world, it's been really important to me to be able to protect it."

All nominees will be recognized with certificates by their local community newspapers and a total of 12 of them will be selected as Ontario Junior Citizens of the Year on Jan. 25.